Who is Erin?

President of Garden Party Botanical Hard Soda

Q. You know the Indy food scene well. Who in the city’s culinary landscape do you think is doing really innovative and progressive work?

A. Just recently, Chris Baggott introduced Indianapolis to ClusterTruck, which is basically “Uberizing” food delivery. They offer a huge, very diverse menu, which you can order off their app. It’s all made out of the same kitchen, and then it’s delivered to you. Their quality is off the chart, their prices are very competitive, and it’s a one-stop shop if you have a group of people to order for who all want something different! Plus they have the incomparable Erin Till at the helm! Perfect if you’re staying downtown!

Q. What are some food-related events in Indy you always look forward to?

A. Devour Downtown is a great opportunity to try new restaurants. I also love Mixture, Indy’s own craft cocktail tour, as well as the Fantastic Food Fest, which is happening again on January 14–15.

Q. What are your favorite restaurants in Indianapolis, and why?

A. Because we are often eating out with our 9-year-old, we are usually seeking out family-friendly establishments. Some of our favorites are BRU Burger, Flatwater Restaurant, and Cafe Patachou. They all provide options on their kids’ menu outside the typical chicken fingers and fries.

Q. Where do you like to go for a nightcap?

A.We love to karaoke at the Monkey’s Tale, catch live music at the Mousetrap, or go anywhere Adam Ramsey is tending bar!

Q. Do you have a favorite entertainment venue?

A. Again, the Mousetrap for jam bands, but if the weather is nice, the Lawn at White River State Park is my absolute favorite for a great show with the city as your backdrop.

Q. Let’s say you need fresh air – where in Indy do you go?

A. We are frequently at Holliday Park in the summer, and though it’s a bit on the outskirts of town, the water park at Memorial Park in Lebanon is fantastic! You can also catch us spending a day at the Zoo and White River Gardens or just walking around the city.

Q. Where do you like to take out-of-town guests?

A. Zionsville is my hometown, and I love to show people where I grew up. They have great shops, and who can pass up a margarita at The Salty Cowboy? We also love to take visitors to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and if the weather’s nice we check out 100 Acres while we’re there.

Q. What are your must-attend events?

A. DigIN: Taste of Indiana, Indiana Microbrewers Festival, and the Fabulous Food Fest if you’re hungry. We also love the Broad Ripple Art Fair and Penrod. Best people-watching week in Indy though is GenCon!

Q. What are a couple of places that you think fly under the radar?

A. Hands down, the dining opportunities at Ivy Tech’s culinary school at 2820 N. Meridian. Their ground floor cafe, Courses Cafe, offers breakfast and lunch during the week and dinner a couple nights a week (check their schedule). It is student-run. They source locally and grow a lot of their own produce. Upstairs in the Penthouse, they offer lunch on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as a couple special dinners during the semester. Such a value, and a great way to support the next generation of Indy chefs!

Q. Let’s say you have one day to spend however you’d like in Indianapolis. What would you do, see, and eat?